Drooling is a natural part of life for many dog breeds, often highlighting their unique charm and character. However, for some dog lovers, the prospect of constant cleanup might be daunting. Enter the world of heavy-drooling dog breeds—those lovable canines whose slobber is as abundant as their affection. From large, majestic breeds to smaller, endearing companions, these dogs boast an undeniable appeal that outweighs the extra towel requirements. Discover nine heavy drooling dog breeds that, despite their puddles of drool, offer unmatched loyalty, warmth, and companionship to those willing to embrace their wet-nosed quirks.
Ever wondered why some dogs seem to leave a trail of drool wherever they go? While all pups produce saliva, certain breeds take slobbering to an art form. In fact, a Saint Bernard can produce up to a gallon of drool per day—a fact that might make you rethink cuddling up on the couch without a towel nearby! But what makes these dogs such prolific dribblers? It mostly comes down to their facial structure—big, loose jowls and floppy lips that simply can’t contain all that saliva.
From the lovable Newfoundland to the ever-goofy Boxer, heavy droolers tend to be large, affectionate breeds that make up for their messiness with endless loyalty and charm. While their slobbery tendencies are usually harmless, excessive drooling can sometimes be a sign of overheating, dental issues, or nausea.
So, if you’re thinking about welcoming one of these drool champions into your home, be sure you’re ready for some extra cleanup! Now, let’s meet the top drooling dog breeds!
Heavy Drooling Dog Breeds
1. Saint Bernard
If you’ve ever seen a Saint Bernard shake its head, you know you’re in for a slobbery surprise! These gentle giants originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were trained as rescue dogs to save stranded travelers.
Their large jowls and saggy lips contribute to drool profusely, especially in hot weather when they try to cool down. Owners should keep drool rags handy because these loyal companions are known to drool a lot—sometimes leaving unexpected “wet spots” around the house.
Saint Bernards are massive dogs, standing up to 30 inches tall and weighing as much as 180 pounds. Despite their size, they are well-mannered and great with children, making them ideal family pets.
However, their thick coat makes them more suited to colder climates. According to Britannica, in hot regions, excessive drooling in dogs can become even more noticeable as they attempt to regulate their body temperature.
While they are affectionate, they do require regular grooming and proper training due to their strength. These big dogs are intelligent but sometimes stubborn, so early socialization is key. If you don’t mind a bit of dog slobber on your furniture (and clothes), a Saint Bernard will reward you with unconditional love!
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is one of the most powerful breeds—but don’t let their intimidating size fool you! These short-muzzled dogs are affectionate, loyal, and incredibly devoted to their families.
However, they are notorious droolers, thanks to their wrinkled brows and loose lips, which create the perfect conditions for excess saliva. Get ready to keep a stash of drool bibs nearby!
These massive mastiff breeds stand between 23 to 27 inches tall and can weigh over 110 pounds. While they are gentle giants with their families, they are also great guard dogs, known for their protective nature. Proper training and socialization are necessary, as they can be stubborn if not properly guided.
Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) features, they are prone to overheating, especially in warm weather. They should be kept cool to avoid excessive salivation and breathing issues. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but their skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent infections.
If you’re looking for a well-mannered but powerful breed that will drool more than others, the Dogue de Bordeaux might just be your ideal match!
3. Bloodhound
Famous for their legendary sense of smell, Bloodhounds are among the best tracking dogs in the world—but they also hold another title: expert droolers!
With their long, wrinkled faces, jowly cheeks, and pendulous lips, they can store a surprising amount of excess saliva, which tends to spill out when they shake their heads. If you own a Bloodhound, expect to wipe drool-covered furniture and floors on a regular basis!
Standing between 23 to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 110 pounds, these large dogs are laid-back and affectionate, making them great family pets. However, they are stubborn and independent, so training can be a challenge.
They have a strong scenting instinct, meaning they may become easily distracted by interesting smells during walks.
Bloodhounds are loyal companions that thrive in a loving home. Their loose skin and saggy lips make them prone to drool more than others, especially after drinking water or eating. If you’re okay with a little dog slobber in exchange for a devoted and lovable friend, the Bloodhound is a great choice!
4. Bulldog
The Bulldog, also known as the English Bulldog, is one of the most recognizable dog breeds, with its wrinkled brow, stocky build, and signature underbite. Despite their somewhat grumpy expression, these dogs are affectionate, laid-back companions that love lounging around the house.
But don’t be fooled by their relaxed demeanor—Bulldogs are one of the top heavy drooling dog breeds, thanks to their short muzzle and loose lips that make it difficult to contain saliva.
As a brachycephalic breed, Bulldogs often struggle with excessive salivation, especially in warm weather or after exercise. Their short snouts make breathing more challenging, which leads to more slobber than other breeds.
This means Bulldog owners should always keep a drool rag handy—particularly after meals or during hot days.
Bulldogs are loyal companions that thrive in a loving home. However, they require careful health monitoring due to their susceptibility to overheating, dental problems, and breathing issues. If you can handle a little extra dog slobber, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted, well-mannered friend for life.
5. Newfoundland
Known as one of the gentle giants of the dog world, the Newfoundland is an affectionate, water-loving breed that happens to be a heavy drooler. With their massive jowls and thick, double coat, these dogs tend to drool excessively, especially after drinking water or during warm weather.
If you bring a Newfie into your home, prepare for wet spots on furniture, floors, and even your clothes!
Despite their high slobber potential, Newfoundlands are incredibly sweet and well-mannered, making them ideal family pets.
Originally bred as water rescue dogs, they are strong swimmers and have an innate love for the water. Their calm temperament makes them great with kids and other pets, but their large size means they need plenty of space to move around.
According to PetMD, their drool may require a steady supply of drool rags, their unconditional love and loyalty make it all worthwhile. Just be prepared for shedding, a bit of slobber on your walls, and the occasional “fling” of drool when they shake their head!
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
If wrinkles, droopy jowls, and serious slobber are your thing, then the Neapolitan Mastiff is the dog for you! This powerful breed is known for its protective nature, loose skin, and excessive salivation.
Their saggy lips and large jowls make them one of the top dog breeds that drool—and when they shake their head, that excess saliva can go flying!
Despite their intimidating size, Neapolitan Mastiffs are loyal, affectionate guardians who form strong bonds with their families. They are great guard dogs due to their natural wariness of strangers, but with proper socialization, they are gentle giants at heart.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their drooling habits mean frequent face wiping is a must.
Because of their size and strength, early training and socialization are essential. They may not be as playful as other breeds, but they are fiercely devoted to their owners.
If you can handle the drool, the wrinkles, and a bit of stubbornness, the Neapolitan Mastiff will be a loyal, protective companion for years to come.
7. Bullmastiff
A true powerhouse wrapped in a gentle giant’s heart, the Bullmastiff was originally bred in 19th-century England to guard estates against poachers. Today, this mastiff breed is a devoted and affectionate companion, known for its unwavering loyalty and protective nature.
While these powerful dogs may not be as excessive with their slobber as some other breeds, their large jowls and deep facial folds do contribute to a fair share of dog slobber—especially after meals or a good drink of water.
Standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing between 100 to 130 pounds, Bullmastiffs are great guard dogs that require early socialization to ensure they channel their protective instincts appropriately.
Despite their muscular build, they have a surprisingly laid-back personality, making them excellent family dogs. However, their loose skin and saggy lips mean owners should keep drool rags handy, as they are prone to excess saliva, particularly in warm weather.
While Bullmastiffs drool more than others, their devotion and affectionate demeanor far outweigh the occasional wet spots on the floor. With proper training and a steady hand, this powerful breed can be a well-mannered and loving guardian of both home and heart.
8. Boxer
Loyal, playful, and full of energy, the Boxer is a dog that never seems to grow up! This brachycephalic breed is known for its short muzzle, which, combined with its deep jowls, leads to occasional excessive drooling—especially after exercise or meals.
While Boxers aren’t as notorious for slobbering as a Saint Bernard or Neapolitan Mastiff, their drool game is still strong enough to require a few drool rags around the house.
Weighing up to 80 pounds and standing around 25 inches tall, Boxers are powerful dogs that thrive on companionship and physical activity. Their short coat makes grooming a breeze, but their jowly cheeks ensure a bit of dog slobber is always part of the package.
Whether they’re bouncing around the yard or snuggling on the couch, their expressive faces and affectionate nature make them beloved family pets.
Though their sudden excessive drooling can sometimes be triggered by motion sickness during car rides, this is usually harmless. However, keeping an eye on their pup’s salivary glands is always a good idea, as excessive salivation can sometimes hint at a health problem.
At the end of the day, Boxers are all about unconditional love, making their occasional dog drool a small price to pay for such a wonderful companion.
9. Great Dane
When it comes to gentle giants, the Great Dane reigns supreme. Standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 175 pounds, this giant breed is famous for its loving nature and great guard dog instincts. But with big dogs comes big drool—and the Great Dane is no exception!
According to Hillspet, their loose lips and large jowls mean excessive drooling is a daily occurrence, especially after meals or a drink of water. If you’re thinking of bringing one home, be prepared for wet spots on the floor and possibly even on your walls!
Despite their size, Great Danes are surprisingly well-mannered and love being around their owners. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but their facial structure ensures that dog slobber is something owners must accept.
Whether they’re lounging on the couch (taking up most of it) or keeping an eye on their family, these loyal companions make incredible pets.
However, excess saliva can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem, such as dental problems or even an allergic reaction. Keeping an eye on their health and having drool bibs nearby will make living with this lovable heavy drooler much easier.
But at the end of the day, a little extra slobber is a small trade-off for the unconditional love these gentle giants bring to a home.
Conclusion
From the jowly Bullmastiff to the towering Great Dane, heavy drooling dog breeds may leave behind puddles, but they also leave behind a lifetime of love and devotion. Whether it’s the Boxer’s playful antics, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s wrinkled brow, or the Basset Hound’s signature droopy expression, these dogs have mastered the art of making a mess—and making their owners laugh. Even the Bernese Mountain Dog, with its gentle giant nature, is known to leave a little extra slobber behind when showing affection.
If you’re considering adding one of these big dogs to your family, just remember: a few wet spots on the floor are nothing compared to the unconditional love they bring. So, embrace the drool, stock up on drool rags, and get ready for a life filled with slobbery kisses and wagging tails. After all, in the world of heavy droolers, the messier the pup, the bigger the heart!
In conclusion, owning a heavy drooling dog breed requires extra commitment to maintaining cleanliness, but the affectionate companionship they offer can outweigh the minor inconvenience. Breeds like the Saint Bernard, Mastiff, and Bulldog may dribble more than others, necessitating frequent cleanup to prevent mess and maintain hygiene. It’s important for potential owners to be aware of these needs and be equipped with the right tools and mindset for the task. Despite the added responsibility, these breeds are beloved for their loyal, gentle, and often playful nature, making them worthwhile additions to any household.